LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE STUDY OF THEORY

Module 1 Unit 1

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What is Distance Education

institution-based formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, Smaldino,Albright and Zvacek, 2009)

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Common names of the field

Distance Education Distance Learning Distance Teaching Open Learning Online Learning e-Learning

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Several names, one theory?

While there many terms used for distance education, there is no one theoretical framework to base the field upon. This is due to the fact that theorists have varying perspectives on the field.

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Conceptual Synergies of prominent theorists in DE

Keegan, Peters, Garrison, Anderson Holmberg, Wedemeyer, Moore Focus on organization of field And organization of field Focus on learner And his interaction with others
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While the field of distance education continues to evolve in its innovation in technology, it has maintained its original character of both presenting learning matter and catering for interaction by the use of media. (Holmberg, 2005)

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What is Theory?
a systematic ordering of ideas about the phenomenon of our field of inquiry overarching logical structure of reasoned suppositions which can generate intersubjectively testable hypothesis (Holmberg) a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based (Oxford American Dictionary)

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What is Theory?
provides

a general explanation for observations made over time, Explains and predicts behavior Can never be established beyond all doubt May be modified (Dorin, Demmin & Gabel, 1990)

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Value of Theory
Explains what we observe and the relationship between concepts. Helps to understand things we dont know or cant explain. It therefore enables change as it helps us to solve problems. Theory guides research. It enhances the growth of a field of study. As the knowledge grows so does the research in that area.

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theory helps a researcher see the forest instead of just a single tree. (Neuman WL 1997)
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Functions of Theory

Integrate old facts" " Predict new facts" " Lead to understanding"

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Inductive and Deductive Processes

Theories

Inductive

Deductive

Facts from Observation

Explanation and Prediction

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Deductive
Develop theory

Inductive
Observe phenomenon Analyze patterns and themes Formulate relationship

Develop hypothesis

Collect and analyze data Accept/ Reject hypothesis

Develop theory
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Types of Theories
Descriptive theories Describe phenomena Explanatory theories Explain phenomena Predictive theories forecast outcomes

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Theory versus Model

Models are subsets of theories. They are applications or representations of a given theory

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For example, Dales Cone of Experience Model is based on Instructional Design and Learning Theories

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THE END

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